By Rhonda Spears
July 12, 2004

Rising to address his colleagues during the Opening Plenary Session of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors, Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner was visibly moved by the video honoring him and his legacy as the organization's 61st president.

During his speech, Garner reflected not only on the past year as president, but also on the 15 years he has worked with mayors from around the country. "The road has been long, yet one of my most rewarding experiences lies here with the Conference," Garner said during the opening remarks.

Garner also spoke of special moments that highlighted this past year including hosting a meeting with mayors and Homeland Security Tom Ridge in Hempstead (NY) just weeks after being sworn into office as president, and leading the largest mission of U.S. mayors to five countries in Africa to discuss with African mayors the HIV/AIDS pandemic on that continent.

Garner also touted one of his most memorable achievements was working to successfully bring President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to the Conference's Winter Meeting last January.

"The presence of these officials at our January meeting in Washington had a major impact. This was considered most significant during an election year," Garner said.

Additionally, Garner singled out the Mission to Rome as a special opportunity for him. During that mission in May, Garner met His Holiness Pope John Paul II and His Eminence Cardinal Francis Arinze at the Vatican.

In concluding his speech, Garner gave some friendly advice to incoming President Donald L. Plusquellic. He said, "It takes teamwork to make the dream work. Remember, this is a political church and we are all here to worship."